One of the fascinating, and at times frustrating, things about working at the Dictionary is that we receive so much content that it just isn't possible to publish everything that comes our way. But when we do a get a chance, it's a pleasure to be able to share it, like this lovely ambrotype sent to us by Tasmanian reader, John Paton. The image, now in the collections of the State Library of NSW,  shows John's great great grandfather, George Paton. Born 15 December 1800 in Largs Scotland, Paton was a master stonemason who worked on many significant buildings in New South Wales in the 1830s and 1840s including St Andrew's Scots Church, the Berrima Court House, the Australian Museum and the Hero of Waterloo Hotel - to name just a few. He was elected to Sydney City Council in 1847 as the member for Gipps Ward, serving a relatively short term of four years. His time in politics obviously brought unwelcome attention, as we can see from this rather rude piece published in Bell’s Life in Sydney and Sporting Reviewer on 9 March 1850:  

 NEW DICTIONARY. - We have been given to understand that Mr. Paton, finding it very difficult for his extremely strong vernacular and forcible expressions to be properly un derstood, both by those in the Council Chamber as well as other ignorant persons " out of doors," has resolved to publish a Dictionary. We subjoin specimens with illustrations (taken, from late meetings of the Solons): "Maister Boord, Haalderman Feesher's yoothful colligee.'' Trans lation in vulgar Saxon - Mr. Board, Alderman Fisher's youthful colleague. "He lickit to see  theongs sheep sharp on a plon." Saxon - He liked to see things ship shape on a plan. N.B ' Messrs. Neale and Jenkins are to find the Grammar.

---

Picture This is the theme of History Week in New South Wales this year. If you are haven't joined in the fun yet there is plenty to enjoy. You can have a look at the program of events here.